Many river cruise enthusiasts have probably heard of the comfortable ships of Project 302. What do these numbers mean? Why do several different units of water transport fall into this category? Our article will tell in detail about the motor ships of project 302, their features and characteristics. Perhaps on one of them you decide to go swimming during the next vacation.
What is Project 302?
Motor ships of project 302 were built at the VEB Shipbuilding Plant in Germany. They have the German designation 129M, and according to the Russian nomenclature they are often referred to as vessels of the Dmitry Furmanov type.
These large passenger ships are designed for river and short sea cruises.
At the heart of the development are motor ships of the 301 series, which have undergone impressive modifications and improvements.
27 ships
In total, from the years 1983 to 1991, 27 motor ships of project 302 were built. 7 of them left the shipyards in the form in which they were originally designed, 6 vessels of the last years of release underwent modifications aimed at meeting high quality standards.
Ship No. 28 was not completed. For some time it was at the shipyard, where it was subsequently dismantled.
Motor ships are currently operated in three states:
- in Russia (Volga, Kama, Don, rivers and lakes of the Volga-Baltic waterway);
- in Ukraine (Dnipro);
- in China (Yangtze).
Characteristics of motor ships of project 302
All vessels have similar characteristics, but there are several differences between them. This is due to the fact that water transport owners are striving to increase the level of comfort and improve technical parameters.
Each ship of the project 302 is equipped with three engines. This transport is capable of speeds up to 22 km / h. The length of the vessel is 129.1 m, draft reaches almost 3 m.
Deck layout
Motor ships of project 302 are three-deck. Most of them have single, double and quadruple cabins. Each of the cabins has a bathroom, refrigerator, comfortable beds, bedside table. The ships are fully air-conditioned.
The following diagram shows the standard device of motor ships of project 302. But it should be noted that not all modern ships have the same structure.
Guests enjoy visiting the bar, restaurant, concert hall and cinema, sauna. All ships also have beauty salons. In souvenir kiosks you can buy gifts for friends, as well as cute little things for the home that will remind you of a river trip.
Cruise ship "Rus"
The photo will help to imagine what the cabins, interior decoration, and entertainment halls of the ship look like. The motor ship of the project 302 "Rus" during its existence practically did not undergo large-scale modifications, so it makes sense to consider it as one of the examples.
Can accommodate on board 282 passengers. Most cabins are compact, but they have everything you need for relaxation. On the lower deck there are several four-bed cabins, in which there is a second tier of beds. The room may not seem spacious enough, but, according to many vacationers, there is enough space. Especially like the upper berths, which you need to climb the wooden ladders, children. Round windows-portholes add charm to the room (in other cabins panoramic rectangular window openings).
There are only two luxury cabins in Rus. They are located on the boat deck, spacious, have 2 rooms, furnished with luxurious furniture. Beds are paired, there are TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators.
"Magnificent Katerina"
The real name of this ship is “General Lavrinenkov”. In 2014, his cruise activity was completed. The owners had to adjust the reconstruction plans somewhat due to a decrease in demand for cruises on the rivers of Russia due to sanctions. But in 2016, the liner returned to the water under a new name - MS Excellence Katharina. Renaming did not happen, “Magnificent Katerina” is just a brand under which the ship makes cruises.
The changes were not limited to rebranding. The review of the motor ship of Project 302 MS Excellence Katharina should start with a mention of the absence of economy and standard cabins on this vessel. All rooms have been converted into modern two-room junior suites and suites. Everywhere on the ship air conditioning systems are installed. For guests' convenience, it is equipped with recreation areas, promenade decks, a luxurious restaurant, several bars, and a gift shop. The ship staff is a team of excellent professionals who are used to working not only with Russian, but also with foreign tourists.
In a similar way, the ship Sergei Diaghilev was refitted. This luxurious, modern cruise ship operates under the brand name Rachmaninov Prestige.